Prepare to Earn High-demand Credentials

Dominican University delivers the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program, preparing individuals for employment as a certified nurse assistant (CNA) through both classroom and clinical education. Successful completion and skills demonstration will allow participants to be eligible to sit for the Illinois Nurse Assistant/Aide Competency Exam (NACE) resulting in certification to be listed on the Illinois Department of Public Health Healthcare Worker Registry or as CNA. 

Program Overview

Dominican University’s basic nurse assistant training program certificate is an 8-week course that is offered fully in-person at the university’s Chicago Campus in the evening.

  • Upon successful completion of the program, participants are eligible to take the Illinois Department of Public Health Nurse Assistant/Aide Competency Exam. After passing the exam, certification status appears on the Healthcare Worker Registry.
  • Upon completion of Dominican’s program, participants will use their CNA certificate as a stepping stone to a wide variety of careers in healthcare.
  • Dominican partners with several local hospitals, allowing you extensive opportunities to build your skills while earning your clinical hours.

Program Prerequisites 

Learners must meet the following requirements prior to registering for the course: a criminal background check, fingerprinting, and other health requirements as specified.

The Training Information and Pre-Registration Packet outlines the steps required to register for the Basic Nursing Assistant Training Program at Dominican University. Please review all requirements carefully and plan accordingly.

Please also visit the University Bulletin for more information.

Class Session Information

  • Summer 2026

    Summer 2026 Session Dates

    • Summer I Session: Classes start on May 11; registration closes May 1
    • Summer II Session: Classes start on June 29; registration closes June 22

    Schedule

    • Classes: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 4:30-8:30 p.m.
    • Clinicals: Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (last four weeks of the program)
  • Fall 2026

    Fall 2026 Session Dates

    • Fall I Session: Classes start on August 24; registration open May 1-August 17
    • Fall II Session: Classes start on October 19; registration open June 1-October 12
  • Spring 2027

    Spring 2027 Session Dates

    • Spring I Session: Classes start on January 11; registration open July 1, 2026-January 4, 2027
    • Spring II Session: Classes start on March 15; registration open August 1, 2026-March 8, 2027

Needed

8
Weeks to Earn Your Certificate
100%
In-person Program At Dominican’s Chicago Campus
#1
Best Value in Illinois (U.S. News & World Report)

What You’ll Learn

As a learner in Dominican’s basic nurse assistant training program, you’ll acquire key skills that will prepare you to become an integral member of healthcare teams in a variety of settings. 

Our program’s student-centered curriculum enables you to learn through lectures, embedded assignments and hands-on practical exercises. You’ll also take part in meaningful reflections of your experiences and performance while learning how to be critically aware of health practices and social justice. 

Additionally, you’ll engage in end-of-the day discussion sessions with health practitioners, which are designed to develop your identity and relationship with the profession to foster a life-long desire to learn and practice community health.

Join a Certificate Program That Goes Above and Beyond 

Dominican’s basic nurse assistant training program comes with more than just upskilling opportunities—it also includes embedded connections to career pathways and extensive wraparound support. 

Here’s how you’ll take your career to the next level:

Access a dedicated, personal career mentor who works in the healthcare field as a career guide.

Hone your skills in cutting-edge simulation labs while learning from industry-leading faculty, ensuring you’ll not only excel academically but also secure rewarding positions in the healthcare field upon graduation.

Polish your resume and LinkedIn profile, refine your job-search strategy, and practice interview skills with our career coaches.

Experience personalized faculty support from industry expert instructors who ensure you excel within the program—and beyond.

Access a network of prospective employers and build connections before you complete your certificate.

As a first-generation student, it was nice to have extra support from Dominican. My counselors and professors were exceptional and always found time to offer help. Dominican’s programs do a great job teaching critical-thinking skills and connecting the classroom to a real-life setting.”

Guadalupe Navarro
Dominican University Graduate

Excel in One of the World’s Most Rewarding Professions

Now is a great time to enter or take steps to boost your career in the healthcare field. The demand for skilled professionals in Chicagoland continues to rise. Certified nurse assistants are the foundational person at the heart of the healthcare interdisciplinary team. After completing this certificate program, you’ll help fill the large need for CNAs and you’ll be ready to take part in sustainable, meaningful, and community-oriented work. Additionally, this program can also provide you a starting point to transfer into our bachelor’s degree in nursing or other health-related majors at our River Forest campus.

Advance in a Rapidly Growing Career Field

At Dominican University, you’ll be prepared to not only join the field, but to lead a life of purpose and impact. 

Continued Growth

Demand for nurse assistants is expected to grow 4% over a 10-year span—notably faster than average.

High-Demand Positions

More than 200,000 openings for nurse assistants are projected each year, on average, over the next decade.

A High-Impact, Low-Cost Program 

Dominican’s basic certified nurse assistant certificate program is designed to be a low-cost, high-impact program. 

Cost Breakdown

Curriculum: $1,300

Administrative Fees: $260

  • Course fees: $112
  • Accurate Biometrics Fingerprinting: $45
  • Viewpoint Screening Bundle: $103

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Please complete our brief application by creating an account or logging in to your existing DU Admission Portal. Learners must meet the following requirements prior to registering for the course: a criminal background check, fingerprinting, and other health requirements as specified.

For questions or assistance, please email chicago.admission@dom.edu.

For more information,
please contact:

Chicago Campus Admission
chicago.admission@dom.edu

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